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Surprise police warn residents of scam involving jury duty

Posted at 2:50 PM, Oct 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-17 18:02:23-04

Police have issued a warning to residents about a scam going around involving jury duty. Officers said several residents had been targeted recently following a similar script.

One victim told police they received a phone call from someone who claimed to be a sergeant in the police department. The fake officer told the resident they had failed to appear for jury duty or respond to a jury summons.

Due to the failure to appear, the scammer said there was a warrant for the person's arrest unless a bond, which could be up to $4,000, was paid. The victim also told police the imposter was hostile and very threatening on the phone.

Police said the actions described in the phone call are a scam and warned residents to not pay the bond as a way to avoid going to jail.

Anyone who receives a similar call is asked to call Surprise police at (623) 222-4000. Those who may have information about the identity of those behind the scam are asked to call (623) 222-TIPS (8477). Those wishing to submit information anonymously can do so by emailing crimetips@surpriseaz.gov.